Hidden gem Portugal spots named among Europe's best holiday destinations - where beaches are 'near-empty' ()
<iframe frameborder="0" height="100%" scrolling="no" src="https://www.gbnews.com/res/scraper/embed/?video_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmm-v2.simplestream.com%2Fiframe%2Fplayer.php%3Fkey%3D3Li3Nt2Qs8Ct3Xq9Fi5Uy0Mb2Bj0Qs%26player%3DGB003%26uvid%3D52452450%26type%3Dvod%26viously_id%3DCxecoa-PlW3" width="100%"></iframe><br/><p class="">While the warmer weather conjures ideas of beautiful summer <a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/staycation-most-entertaining-uk-blackpool" target="_blank">staycations</a>, many jet-setters will still be keen to go abroad this year.</p><p>For those who are yet to book their next trip, a travel expert has spoken exclusively to GB News about the "best destinations" for holidaymakers in 2025.</p><h3></h3><br/><p>According to Huw Owen, co-founder of TravelLocal, spots in Northern and Western Portugal may be the perfect pick for "wine, waves, and space to breathe".</p><p><span>The Algarve is understandably popular, with its beautiful cliff-backed beaches, delectable seafood, and picturesque towns.</span></p><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Fishing village of Ericeira, Portugal" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e29519bdb6266f025cf1b553012f02b3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="e0a86" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/fishing-village-of-ericeira-portugal.jpg?id=60213949&width=980"/><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-latest"></div><p>And according to the Algarve Tourism Board, the region even set a new record for tourists in 2024, with hotels and other forms of accommodation welcoming 5.2 million visitors.</p><p>However, there's more to Portugal than this touristy paradise, which can often become exceptionally busy during peak months.</p><p>Huw advised travellers: "Skip the crowds of the Algarve and head north for a gentler rhythm. </p><p>"Inland, Dão’s family-run wineries feel far from the tourist trail, while quiet surf towns like Nazaré and Ericeira blend coastal energy with local charm." Ericeira is considered Europe's surfing capital.</p><p>A serene beach is hard to come by during the busiest months of the year, but according to the travel guru, those in Moledo and Vila Praia de Âncora are "often near-empty - even in summer".</p><h3></h3><br/><p>Providing an "insider tip", the expert added: "In Viana do Castelo, Art Nouveau façades meet goldsmith traditions and community folk festivals that still feel truly local."</p><p>Huw's hidden gem recommendations have proved popular with those who have sought them out.</p><p>One holidaymaker took to Tripadvisor following a trip to Praia dos Pescadores in Ericeira. They described it as "beautiful", adding that "it's a very calm sea". A second called it "comfortable and pretty, cosy and sheltered".</p><p>One visitor urged fellow travellers to take a trip to the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, describing the chapel as "small, peaceful and beautiful".</p><p>A tourist in Praia de Moledo described the beach as "spectacular". Another called it an "absolute must-visit", adding that it's a "hidden gem for wave kite surfing and watersports enthusiasts".</p><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-dontmiss"></div><p>After a trip to Viana do Castelo, one visitor praised the Santuário de Santa Luzia. They stated: "The outside of the church is simply gorgeous, and the views of the countryside from the church make it well worth a visit."</p><p>For those who are keen to explore another European destination, Spain is the obvious choice for many.</p><p><strong>LATEST DEVELOPMENTS</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/ryanair-travel-warning-delays-east-midlands-airport" target="_self">Ryanair issues urgent travel warning to Britons as 'disruption' is set to 'affect all airlines'</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/mexico-travel-warning-ceremonies-health-risk" target="_self">Britons in Mexico are warned of 'serious illnesses' and 'death' at events marketed to tourists</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/expats-best-places-to-live-mexico-city" target="_self">'I left the UK and fell in love with my new home - the sun shines, people are kind and life is slow'</a></li></ul><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Traditional Portuguese houses in Ericeira, Portugal" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0ef4147a13a63192756c3a0ef8a29617" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="0d8c3" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/traditional-portuguese-houses-in-ericeira-portugal.jpg?id=60213866&width=980"/><p>Attracting countless British holidaymakers and expats every year, its sun, sea, sand, delicious cuisine, laidback lifestyle, vibrant nightlife and affordability are hugely enticing factors.</p><p>Barcelona, Madrid, Costa del Sol, Canary Islands and Balearic Islands are some of the most popular destinations among tourists.</p><p>However, to escape the crowds and experience something new, a seaside town in Cádiz could prove the <a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/spain-best-place-to-live-holiday" target="_blank">best Spanish spot</a>.</p><p>Indeed, it boasts a "spectacular beach" and has even been crowned the country's happiest place to live.</p><p>As for where Britons might want to avoid this summer, a second travel expert named their <a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/worst-holiday-destination-venice-italy-tourist-tax-europe" target="_blank">"worst" holiday spot for 2025</a>.</p>
